MINI Malaysia unveiled the All-New MINI Countryman on friday, 14th of April 2017. This is essentially version 2.0 of the maxi sized MINI. The first generation (codenamed R60) was first launched back in 2010 and was produced till sometime last year.
This new one is codenamed F60 (which somehow comes after the letter R) was first introduced in November 2016 and was first sold in Europe sometime in February 2017. This makes its local debut a scant two months since it was first put on sale. Not too shabby.
MINI Malaysia has introduced in the variants of the All-New MINI Cooper Countryman and MINI Cooper S Countryman. The car is an improvement over the original. Definitely. The new Countryman is about 20cm longer than the first generation, and about 2.54cm wider. Yes. The big MINI is bigger. Big MINI. There is such a thing!
The Cooper Countryman is powered by a turbocharged 1.5liter 3-cylinder engine, while the Cooper S uses a new 2.0 liter turbo 4-cylinder engine. Both run an 8 speed automatic transmission in Malaysia. Both are front wheel drive. There is an ALL4 (all wheel drive) version for both models but at this moment, we only get two front wheel drive variants.
The Cooper Countryman is priced at RM239,888 OTR without insurance and the Cooper S Countryman is priced at RM269,888 OTR without insurance. Both also come with 4 years unlimited mileage warranty and 4 years or 60,000km free factory recommended servicing/maintenance too.
The Countryman is fully imported for now unlike the previous generation which was assembled locally. From what I have seen, it will cater to a group who want something different from the norm. When I say this I mean this car is priced close to a BMW 3 series. Even more than the entry level 318i. Those that want a Countryman want the lifestyle, want the looks and want the brand. It fills a niche somewhere.
We've managed to have a short drive around Kuala Lumpur in the Cooper Countryman and we'll write that short test drive review shortly folks.
Press release, which includes specs, is after all the photos below;
14 th April 2017
MINI Malaysia Introduces The All-New MINI Countryman.
Second-generation MINI Countryman ventures into the Malaysian premium segment,
seeking new adventures and adding more stories to its already iconic history.
Kuala Lumpur, 14 th April 2017 – MINI Malaysia today unveiled the All-New MINI
Countryman, the second generation of the successful premium sports activity vehicle
(SAV) from the most sophisticated premium compact automotive brand in the world.
Introduced in the variants of the All-New MINI Cooper Countryman and MINI Cooper S
Countryman, the new premium SAV vehicles from MINI are now the largest and most
versatile models in MINI’s 57-year history and have been developed to reflect
considerable advancements in the areas of space, functionality, athletic flair and
premium characteristics.
Introducing the All-New MINI Countryman, Mr. Han Sang Yun, Managing Director and
CEO, BMW Group Malaysia said, “MINI has been growing steadily in the Malaysian
premium segment. Last year alone, the brand contributed over 900 vehicles to our
performance here as well as recorded over a 19% growth in comparison to its
performance in 2015. In the first quarter of 2017, MINI is already tracking as the third
largest brand in the Malaysian premium segment and we hope to maintain this
competitiveness in the industry with the All-New MINI Countryman.”
Sharing Mr. Han’s sentiments, Mr. Kidd Yam, Head of MINI Malaysia said, “In the long
and illustrious history of MINI, the MINI Countryman has already successfully broken
stereotypical convention of vehicles in the premium compact segment, pushing the
understanding that the ideas of creativity and premium can coexist harmoniously in a
highly segmentised automotive industry.
Kidd Yam added that with over 1500 units already delivered in Malaysia since 2011
with the previous generation MINI Countryman, the success story of the MINI
Countryman has already been proven and the new model, which is the perfect
companion for everyday usability can only write more successful stories for the brand
moving forward.
Design: powerful proportions, matured character.
The All-New MINI Countryman features design elements that are typical of the brand,
including the iconic three-way structure of the side view made up of its roof, glass house
section and main body as well as short overhands, large wheel arches and downward
increase in width. The precise contours on the generous surfaces of the All-New MINI
Countryman, meanwhile, create an attractive play of light and shade that underscores
the car’s athletic shaping and the vertical orientation of the body.
The All-New MINI Countryman has essentially grown in size, but is still able to retain the
typical MINI proportions. Now 20 centimetres longer than its predecessor and
approximately three centimetres wider, the All-New MINI Countryman has a length of
4,299mm, a width of 1,822mm and a height of 1,557mm. Its distinctive proportions are
also made up of a wheelbase that measures 2,670mm, while the track width is 1,585mm
at the front and 1,587mm at the rear. These proportions allow the All-New MINI
Countryman to go even further in terms of the model’s versatility, agility and premium
character that accentuate a distinctive presence.
Its unmistakable aura is also defined by an extended ground clearance and raised
seating position, further emphasised by the MINI ALL4 Bodykit. The differentiated rear
and front fenders with Piano Black bumper elements and the implied silver coloured
sump guard further underlines the adventurous character of the All-New MINI
Countryman.
Adding to the car’s off-road character are versatile Roof Rails that can accommodate
extra cargo such as a roof rack, a roof box or a bicycle rack. Its satin-finished aluminium
combined with silver-coloured side sill tops create greater visual emphasis to the car’s
height.
Additionally, the All-New MINI Countryman – for the first time ever – is equipped with
auto LED Headlamps with Cornering Lights, a perfect addition that allows adventurers to
venture the great outdoors at night. The new Cornering Lights projects light to the
direction of the steering direction while the new Icon Lights which remains activated in
dimmed form creates a signature element for the MINI even when the headlights are
switched on.
In terms of wheel options, the All-New MINI Cooper Countryman offers 18” Light Alloy
Wheels while the MINI Cooper S Countryman offers 19” MINI Yours Light Alloy Wheels.
Both variants are equipped with run-flat tyres as standard.
Powerful engines with MINI TwinPower Turbo technology.
The engine of the All-New MINI Countryman is tuned to deliver a high degree of smile-
inducing agility and punchy acceleration for which MINI is known for. For the first time
ever, the all-new MINI Countryman is powered by the latest generation of the BMW
Group’s 3- and 4-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engines that make the MINI faster, feistier
and more fuel efficient than its predecessor.
The All-New MINI Cooper Countryman is now powered by a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder inline
engine combined with a 6-speed automatic Steptronic transmission. This enables the
car to deliver an output of 136 hp and a maximum torque of 220 Nm. It sprints from zero
to 100km/h in 9.6 seconds with a top speed of 200 km/h and has a reduction in fuel
consumption which amounts to as much as 6.0 litres per 100 kilometres.
The All-New MINI Cooper S Countryman, meanwhile, houses a 2-litre 4-cylinder engine,
which mobilises a peak output of 192 hp and a maximum torque of 280 Nm. It is able to
accelerate from zero to 100km/h in just 7.4 seconds, reaching a top speed of 224 km/h.
These figures are combined with an average fuel consumption of 6.5 litres per 100
kilometres. A rarity in its class, the MINI Cooper S Countryman has an eight-speed
transmission that enables impeccably fluid gear changes, while the Steptronic function
allows the driver to choose between the ease of automatic shifting and the visceral thrill
of the manual driving experience.
Adventurous driving: MINI Driving Modes and high standard safety features.
The MINI Driving Modes are activated by a rotary switch at the base of the gear or
selector lever. The set-up of the All-New MINI Countryman can be selected according to
one of the three modes: MID, SPORT and GREEN. Jump into the GREEN mode for
leisure cruising and optimized fuel efficiency or choose the SPORT mode for a more
responsive acceleration and handling. To experience the best of both worlds, choose
the MID mode.
The All-New MINI Countryman has a high-quality suspension that combines the tried-
and-tested principle of a single-joint spring strut axle at the front and a multi-link rear
axle with a design that is optimised for weight and rigidity. In addition to this and the
electromechanical steering with Servotronic function are powerful brakes and Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC) which adjusts the vehicle’s output power to the wheels. This
helps eliminate over-steering or under-steering as well as keeping the car on track.
Further protection to unlikely events are achieved with the ultra rigid multiphase steel
frame for the All-New MINI Countryman as well as the break-away engine mounts which
will help avoid further danger for drivers and passengers. Additionally, the Hill Hold
Control which ensures that the MINI will not roll backwards when parked on a hill or
driving in stop-and- go traffic as well as airbags, two each at the front, sides and at the
ceiling of the All-New MINI Countryman ensure better peace of mind for both the driver
and passengers.
Interior: Generous space and exclusive ambience.
The prominent results of the All-New MINI Countryman advancing into the Premium
Segment is portrayed significantly in the increased space on five fully-fledged seats as
well as a definite increase in storage volume and luggage transport versatility. Coupled
with some of the most high-end materials and surface finishes ever put into a MINI and
highly-functional features, the All-New MINI Countryman is as premium as it is practical
while giving an edge for any outdoor adventure.
The interior offering of the MINI Cooper Countryman includes Cloth Firework Carbon
Black upholstery with Hazy Grey interior surfacing and a Chrome Line interior as well as
a sports leather steering wheel.
The MINI Cooper S Countryman, meanwhile, offers MINI Yours Piano Black Illuminated
interior surfacing that lights up the cockpit in any preferred choice of colour with Leather
Cross Punch in Carbon Black upholstery as well as a John Cooper Works leather
steering wheel with paddle shifters. In addition to the high-quality materials and precise
finishings, the modern ergonomically optimised controls also contribute to the car’s
exclusive ambience while the profile of the air vents in the All-New MINI Countryman
echoes the vertical orientation of the exterior design elements.
Extensive storage facilities inside the new MINI vehicles includes both front and rear
door pockets that hold one-litre beverage bottles and the fully-fledged centre console
extending up to the instrument panel now also has an integrated storage compartment
with two cup holders in front of the gear or selector lever. Both the All-New MINI
Countryman variants are also fitted with a dual-zone automatic air conditioning and an
interior rear view mirror with automatic anti-dazzle function.
The All-New MINI Cooper S Countryman exclusively offers electric seat adjustment
feature with memory function that allows the driver to keep record of his or her preferred
seating position. The seats also include lumbar support for maximum comfort as well as
ergonomic posturing.
Functionality: Versatility beyond borders.
A new feature that is unique to the All-New MINI Countryman and is offered as standard
on both the Cooper and Cooper S variant is the Automatic Tailgate with easy opener
function. The feature offers a foot-activated sensor to open and close the tailgate
without having to press any button, thus providing absolute convenience when one’s
hands are full. Specifically in the Cooper S variant of the MINI Countryman, the
Automatic Tailgate offering works in unison with Comfort Access which enables the
opening and locking of the doors of the MINI by a touch at the doors.
For the first time, the All-New MINI Countryman also offers a Picnic Bench that folds out
of the boot to provide a comfortable seat on the luggage compartment lid. The Picnic
Bench in the new MINI Countryman is one of the very few offerings in premium vehicles
that offers two extra seats outside of the car, a feature that comes in handy for general
outdoor use.
In the areas of infotainment, communication and driving experience, the All-New MINI
Countryman is further enhanced with MINI Connected which offers an extensive range
of in-car smartphones integration on a 6.5” high-resolution screen. With Spotify for
example, the driver and passengers can be entertained with over 20 million songs. This
apps among many others, can be downloaded from the App Store and be viewed on the
MINI display and accessed easily via the car’s controls. Both variant of the All-New MINI
Countryman also offer Rear View Camera as a standard offering.
In terms of offering for storage, the All-New MINI Countryman is equipped with larger
storage facilities to reflect its optimised functionality and versatility. When all five seats
are in use, the luggage compartment has a volume of 450 litres. With 40:20:40 rear seat
split, it allows the load volume to be increased up to 1,390 litres.
The All-New MINI Countryman also introduces for the first time, two new paint finishes
which are now available for a MINI including Chestnut and Island Blue. Other colour
schemes include British Racing Green, Chili Red, Light White, Melting Silver, Midnight
Black, and Moonwalk Grey. The Thunder Grey scheme is available exclusively on the
MINI Cooper S Countryman.
The All-New MINI Cooper Countryman and MINI Cooper S Countryman will be available
for test drive for the public over the weekend of Saturday, 15 th April and Sunday, 16 th
April at The International Gallery at Alya Kuala Lumpur – adjacent to TPC Kuala Lumpur
(formerly KLGCC). The new models from MINI will also be available at all authorised
MINI dealerships across the country during the same weekend.
Please visit www.MINI.my for more information on the all-new MINI Countryman.
- END -
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